Rolex 228236-0024 Day-Date 40 Platinum Fluted Blue Ombré

Blue that runs out to black

The gradient is the whole point of this replica Rolex Day-Date 228236. Light blue sits under the hands, deepens through the middle of the face and finishes almost black where it meets the rehaut, so the applied Roman numerals around the outside appear to float. On a cool platinum-tone steel case the effect stays crisp instead of warm. The weekday is spelled out at 12 o’clock and the date sits at 3 under the magnifying lens.

Case, bezel and bracelet

A 40 mm 904L steel case in a platinum tone, a fluted bezel and a screw-down crown, closed by sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating. The President bracelet runs three-piece links that taper towards the clasp. Any watchmaker can take links out. Water: 30 m, so rain and washing your hands are safe with the crown screwed down, and the pool and the shower are not.

Japanese or Swiss

Japanese: a Miyota-based automatic, 21,600 vph, about 40 hours, quickset date. Swiss: built to follow the original caliber, 28,800 vph, about 70 hours. Neither changes the dial or case. Shoppers who also look at the gold tones can read our look at Day-Date plating.

Other dials on the 228236

The gradient is what sets this one apart from the ice blue 228236 with Roman numerals, which stays pale from centre to edge. If you want strong colour without the fade, the champagne 228238 with baton markers trades the platinum tone for yellow plating and a champagne face. The whole line is on the whole Day-Date line-up.

How dark is the edge of the ombre dial?

Close to black. The blue is brightest under the hands and darkens towards the minute track, so the outer Roman numerals sit on the darkest part.